Today no more than 4 000 rhino are found outside of Africa, while the continent is home to an estimated 25 000 of these ancient animals.
“South Africa is home to more than 80 percent of the world’s rhino population, a testament to our country’s successful conservation practices,” says Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa.
Continued Molewa:” Despite all the strides we have recorded to date, we are faced with the growing problem of illicit wildlife trade, the fourth largest syndicated criminal activity in the world after drug trafficking, human trafficking and arms smuggling.”
We would like to assure you, Mr Howard Buffet that we are determined not to lose this fight. We as South Africa certainly do not intend to capitulate and lose the battle for the survival of key members of the iconic Big Five, commented Molewa.
The handing over ceremony was attended by Chairperson of SANParks Board, Kuseni Dlamini, Dr David Mabunda, the Chief Executive of SANParks, Howard G. Buffett of the Howard G Buffett Foundation, Ben Kruger, CEO of Standard Bank South Africa, Representatives of the Embassy of the United States of America and members of the SANParks Board.
The loss of 1 004 rhino in 2013 and 172 so far this year is devastating, particularly at Kruger National Park, which is the hardest hit.
Anti-poaching efforts have been boosted with the deployment of the South frican National Defence Force whose members patrol the eastern border with Mozambique.
Government efforts have also seen the birth of the Lowveld Lebombo Environmental Asset Protection Alliance (LLEAPA) a joint operating committee consisting of SANParks, SANDF, the SAPS, Mozambique and South Africa.
